Beneath our feet lies the Sodbrunnen. This unassuming metal cylinder holds a rich history. The Sodbrunnen is a 700-year-old well, tucked away just off Bahnhofstrasse in Rennweg. Imagine Zurich in the medieval period. People drew their drinking water from this very spot. The well shaft plunges 33 feet down to reach the groundwater.
The Sodbrunnen served the community faithfully for centuries. Then in 1740, it was abandoned and filled in. Time marched on, burying the well beneath the modern city. The Sodbrunnen remained hidden until 1999. It was rediscovered and restored. A new metal top and grate were added, giving it the appearance we see today. Peer down into the shaft. You can still glimpse the original brickwork. A testament to the well’s long history.
While the Sodbrunnen still accesses groundwater, it’s no longer a source of drinking water like many other Zurich fountains. It has, however, become a fountain of a different kind. A source of generosity. Tourists and locals alike toss coins into the well. Up to 3,000 Swiss francs are collected each year. Four times a year, a steel basket is lowered into the shaft. Entsorgung und Recycling retrieves the coins. This modern-day treasure is then donated to non-profit organizations across Zurich. So, the next time you pass the Sodbrunnen, remember it’s more than just a metal cylinder. It’s a link to Zurich’s past. A wellspring of community giving, quietly continuing its service to the city in a new and unexpected way.